Contractors/employers and employees urged to pay attention to workplace safety before Chinese New Year holidays
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A spokesperson for the LD said today (February 11) that employers and employees should pay more attention to work safety before the Chinese New Year holidays to prevent accidents.
The spokesperson said, "As Chinese New Year is coming, employees may become less aware of work safety due to the festive atmosphere or may have to rush to complete work before the long holidays. Employers should therefore step up monitoring to ensure workplace safety and eliminate potential hazards through pre-holiday safety inspections, thereby minimising the chance of grave consequences during and after the Chinese New Year holidays. Safety precautions before the holidays include turning off the power for plant and machinery as well as gas welding equipment, proper storage of chemicals and stacking of materials, extinguishing ignition sources and securing temporary structures.
"Management should remind supervisors and employees not to compromise work safety for tight work schedules, including failure to take adequate safety precautions, follow safety procedures or use personal protective equipment. Risk assessments should be conducted by competent persons prior to the commencement of different work processes, with safe work method statements formulated and proper monitoring systems in place, especially for works involving high-risk operations, such as working at height, lifting operations, working in confined spaces, tunnelling works and electrical work," the spokesperson added.
Pursuant to the general duty provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance, employers shall provide safe working environments, plant and systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the relevant provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for two years.
Meanwhile, employees shall co-operate by following safety instructions and using safety equipment.
For any enquiries on occupational safety and health, please contact the LD's Occupational Safety and Health Branch at 2542 2172.
Ends/Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Issued at HKT 10:00
Issued at HKT 10:00
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